LOS ANGELES >> In USC’s 26-13 victory at Washington on Saturday, quarterback Sam Darnold leaned on one of his tight ends.

On the Trojans’ two second-quarter touchdown drives, Darnold often found Daniel Imatorbhebhe, hitting him for passes of 21, 22 and 23 yards. And in the fourth quarter, he connected with the redshirt freshman on an 8-yard scoring toss.

With Deontay Burnett limited, Imatorbhebhe, a former receiver at North Gwinnett High in Suwanee, Georgia, was lined up further away from one of the offensive tackles.

“He does have the ability, like some of his other tight ends, to flex out,” Helton said.

Imatorbhebhe finished with a career-high five catches for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Through 10 games, he has four touchdown receptions. No USC tight end has had more than four in a season since Xavier Grimble in 2012. Grimble had five touchdowns.

Asked if he got more well wishes than usual after the win over the Huskies, Imatorbhebhe said, “I get compliments and stuff like that. But the biggest thing for me is just remembering I’m not validate by anything that happens on the field. It wouldn’t be a sustainable place to live out of if I just lived out of my last big play.”

Thin line

Defensive tackle Josh Fatu, who suffered a sprained ankle last Saturday at Washington, has not practiced this week and remains “50-50 at best” to play against UCLA.

Helton said if Fatu does not practice Thursday, he would be ruled out to play.

USC’s defensive line has seen some wear and tear in recent weeks. Stevie Tu’ikolovatu suffered a knee sprain against Oregon earlier this month and has been limited in practice. He did play at Washington.

Quick hits

Burnett did not practice Wednesday to rest a sore knee. He is expected to return Thursday. … Sophomore linebacker Porter Gustin, who was limited with an ankle injury on Tuesday, took part in most of practice. … USC did not pipe in crowd noise at practice Wednesday, something it had done the previous day. … Athletic director Lynn Swann stopped by practice.